The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) has officially announced the adoption of next-generation WiFi 7, making Pakistan one of the early countries in the Asia-Pacific region to allow its use in the 6 GHz network band. This press release highlights Pakistan’s alignment with global tech trends, where regulators are opening spectrum for unlicensed use to enable ultra-high data rates, low latency, and robust reliability in wireless connectivity.
What WiFi 7 Brings
WiFi 7 marks a major leap in wireless standards. It supports 320 MHz-wide channels, Multi-Link Operation (MLO) across 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz, and 4096-QAM modulation, enabling speeds up to 30–40 Gbps. These advancements will drive 8K streaming, immersive AR/VR, and industrial automation, while delivering seamless experiences across households, SMEs, campuses, healthcare, and smart cities.
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Quick Comparison of Wi-Fi Standards
| Feature | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 7 (Next-Gen) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency Bands | 2.4 & 5 GHz | 2.4, 5 & 6 GHz | 2.4, 5 & 6 GHz |
| Channel Width | Up to 160 MHz | Up to 160 MHz | Up to 320 MHz |
| Modulation | 1024-QAM | 1024-QAM | 4096-QAM |
| Multi-Link Operation (MLO) | No | No | Yes – uses multiple bands simultaneously |
| Theoretical Peak Speed | ≈ 9.6 Gbps | ≈ 9.6 Gbps | 30–40 Gbps+ |
| Latency Improvements | Moderate | Moderate | Significant (sub-5 ms) |
Why It Matters for Pakistan
With WiFi 7, Pakistan can address easing congestion on legacy bands, improve broadband delivery costs, and boost overall connectivity. The technology is set to enhance experiences for both individuals and enterprises, fueling digital innovation across industries. Early benefits are expected in high-density environments like offices, campuses, and healthcare facilities, but the broader impact will emerge as WiFi 7 devices (routers, smartphones, laptops) become more widely available.
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Regulatory and Market Readiness
Globally, many countries have embraced WiFi 7 in the 6 GHz band, though implementation varies. Pakistan’s PTA must ensure clear technical rules, certification standards, and mechanisms such as Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) to protect incumbent spectrum users. On the market side, chipset giants like Broadcom, Qualcomm, and MediaTek have introduced WiFi 7 silicon, with early adoption visible in premium devices. Broader affordability is expected by 2026–27.
Challenges Ahead
- Device penetration: Limited to high-end products in the short term.
- Urban–rural gap: Urban areas will see faster adoption, while rural regions may lag.
- Backhaul limits: Faster WiFi won’t help unless Pakistan upgrades international bandwidth and domestic infrastructure.
- Spectrum sharing risks: Effective regulation is crucial to prevent interference.
The Road Forward
For Pakistan to fully realize WiFi 7’s potential, PTA and stakeholders should:
- Publish detailed regulatory guidelines for the 6 GHz network band.
- Enforce AFC mechanisms to manage interference.
- Support ISPs in enhancing backhaul infrastructure.
- Promote equitable access for households, SMEs, campuses, healthcare, and smart cities.
The adoption of next-generation WiFi 7 represents a milestone in Pakistan’s journey toward advanced connectivity. With proper planning, it can power digital innovation, strengthen infrastructure, and make Pakistan a leader in wireless transformation across the Asia-Pacific region.
